"I get a sunburn every single time I go into the sun, even with sunscreen on," writes Miranda, a reader in New York. "My first time this year, I got a blistering sunburn on my shoulders. When I went to the beach yesterday, I applied sunscreen before going to the beach, and then multiple times while there. My shoulders are red again (not blisters, yet) but my face is also burnt and my nose has blisters already. I've tried cool milk, which helps relieve the burn/heat for a little while. But I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong when I go in the sun, and afterward when I'm trying to treat it. HELP!! Please!!!"

"This occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to sunlight exposure," he says. "The sun causes a reaction to the skin which changes the protein component of the skin producing an inflammatory cell reaction which releases histamine; the individual gets hives, they can be red and itchy skin especially if exposed to sunlight, blisters may also develop."

His advice? "Phototherapy, which involves gradually exposing the skin to increased levels of ultraviolet light, has also been used to treat sun allergy," he says. "This is typically used in patients who have for solar urticaria (hives). Phototherapy is performed at a health care provider's office. Patients are usually exposed to ultraviolet light five times per week for three weeks. Patients usually begin to develop a tolerance to sun exposure and allergic symptoms to sun exposure are reduced."

In the meantime, experiment with different sunscreens--especially more natural varieties made for sensitive skin (you can find a good supply of these at Whole Foods). There's a chance, he says, that your sunscreen could be exacerbating the problem.

In the meantime, consider soothing your skin with salves made of calendula, chamomile and aloe (again, look for these at a natural market).

Feel better soon, Miranda! xo

Question for the rest of you: Have you ever worried that you had a sun allergy?